How Much Does Text-to-Give Cost?

Text-to-give platforms have become increasingly popular for nonprofits, churches, and organizations seeking to make giving easier and more accessible. With a simple text message, donors can contribute to causes they care about. However, for organizations considering this tool, understanding the cost is crucial. So, how much does text-to-give really cost?

The cost of text-to-give services depends on several factors, including the provider, the features offered, and the size of your organization. In this article, we’ll break down the typical pricing structures and associated fees so you can make an informed decision.

1. Pricing Structures for Text-to-Give Platforms

Most text-to-give platforms use one of the following pricing models:

Subscription-Based Pricing

This is the most common pricing structure, where organizations pay a monthly or annual fee to access the service.

• Typical Costs: $19–$150/month for basic plans; $200–$500+/month for premium features or larger organizations.
• Features Included: Basic plans often include a keyword, donation tracking, and donor receipts, while higher-tier plans may offer additional keywords, analytics, and integrations with accounting software.

Pay-As-You-Go Pricing

In this model, there’s no monthly subscription fee, but the organization pays a small fee for each transaction.

• Typical Costs: $0.25–$0.50 per text message sent or received, plus transaction fees.
• Best For: Organizations with seasonal campaigns or low-frequency use.

Freemium Models

Some platforms offer a free version of their service with limited features. These are often funded by passing the cost onto the donor. Organizations can upgrade to paid plans for more advanced functionality.

• Typical Costs: Free for basic features, with paid plans starting around $20/month.
• Considerations: Free plans may include fewer keywords, limited customization, or transaction fees.

2. Transaction Fees

Transaction fees are a major component of text-to-give costs. These fees are charged per donation and typically include:

• Processing Fees: These are charged by payment processors (e.g., Stripe, PayPal).
  • Typical rate: 2.2%–3.5% + $0.30 per transaction.
• Platform Fees: Some text-to-give providers charge an additional fee on top of the processing fee.
  • Typical rate: 1%–2% of each donation.

Example: For a $100 donation:

• Payment processor fee (2.9% + $0.30): $3.20.
• Platform fee (1%): $1.00.
• Total fees: $4.20.
• Organization receives: $95.80.

3. Additional Costs to Consider

Beyond subscription and transaction fees, there are other potential costs:

Setup Fees

Some platforms charge a one-time fee for onboarding and setup.

• Typical Cost: $100–$500.

Custom Keywords

Most plans include one or two keywords, but additional keywords may cost extra.

• Typical Cost: $5–$20 per additional keyword/month.

Text Message Fees

If the platform doesn’t include unlimited text messages, you may pay per message sent or received.

• Typical Cost: $0.05–$0.10 per message.

Integration Fees

Connecting the text-to-give tool with your existing systems (e.g., donor management, accounting software) may incur additional charges.

• Typical Cost: $50–$500, depending on the complexity.

Training and Support

Some providers charge for live training sessions or priority customer support.

• Typical Cost: $50–$200/hour or a flat fee.

4. Examples of Text-to-Give Platform Costs

Here’s an overview of pricing for popular text-to-give platforms:

Tithe.ly

• Pricing: Free for basic text-to-give with 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction (depending on payment method). Paid plans start at $119/month.
• Features: Unlimited donations, integration with church management systems, and recurring giving options.

Kindrid

• Pricing: Starts at $19/month + 2.6% + 35¢ standard processing fee/transaction.
• Features: Unlimited users, keywords, and customizable giving options.

Pushpay

• Pricing: Custom pricing starting around $200/month, depending on the organization’s size.
• Features: Advanced analytics, event registration, and seamless integrations.

Snowball

• Pricing: $0/month for the basic plan, 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction. The next tier is $549/year and includes unlimited text-to-give.
• Features: Fundraising pages, multiple keywords, and donor management.

5. Tips for Choosing a Cost-Effective Platform

To make the most of your budget, consider the following tips:

Assess Your Needs

• How many donors do you expect?
• Do you need multiple keywords or advanced features like recurring giving?
• Will you run campaigns year-round or seasonally?

Compare Transaction Fees

Even small differences in fees can add up over time. Choose a platform with competitive processing and platform fees.

Look for Bundled Services

Some providers include text-to-give as part of a broader suite of tools, such as donor management or event registration software. Our platform offers unlimited text-to-give as part of our Prepaid plan, and as an add-on to our Flex plan.

Test Free Plans

If you’re unsure about the long-term value, start with a free or low-cost plan to evaluate the platform’s effectiveness.

Final Thoughts

The cost of text-to-give services varies widely depending on the provider, features, and your organization’s needs. Basic plans start at around $19/month, with premium options costing several hundred dollars. Transaction fees typically range from 2.2% to 3.5% per donation, with some platforms charging additional platform fees.

By carefully evaluating your requirements, comparing providers, and considering hidden costs, you can select a text-to-give solution that fits your budget while making giving easy and accessible for your donors.